Wine, beer and spirits in Mudgee

With a history of winemaking that dates back to the 1850s and more than 40 family-owned boutique wineries dotted around the picturesque countryside, Mudgee is the perfect place for a wine weekend. You’ll also fine excellent restaurants, craft beer and spirits, and plenty of cosy accommodation.

Wineries in Mudgee

The Mudgee area’s temperate climate allows for the slow ripening of grapes creating intense flavours. The most prominent varietals are shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay, with Italian varietals like sangiovese, barbera and petit verdot planted in recent years.

Start at the striking Logan, where the architecturally-designed glass and wood cellar door looks out over the vines. The Ridge of Tears Shiraz is deservedly famous. The award-winning Robert Stein Winery is also known for its flagship The Kinnear Shiraz, as well as on-site restaurant Pipeclay Pumphouse.

Take a tour with a winemaker at Lowe Wines to learn about their small-batch, fully organic methods. Bunnamagoo Estate has been growing chardonnay grapes since 1858 and still produces a top-quality drop. First Ridge specialises in Italian varietals and the quirky cellar door is made entirely of shipping containers.

Short Sheep Micro-Winery is committed to sustainability – sheep keep weeds down between the vines and they only produce 1,500 cases a year. If you like a little culture with your wine, visit Rosby for a sculpture exhibition each October or grab a glass at the Huntington Estate Music Festival in November.

Beer and spirits

Beer lovers will appreciate Mudgee Brewing Co., housed in a 100-year-old wool store in the centre of town. Try a tasting paddle or a schooner of the signature Mudgee Mud stout. And don’t miss a visit to the Baker Williams Distillery, a micro distillery producing gin, butterscotch schnapps, lemon myrtle liqueur and orancello.